Our Services

Complete Car Care of Encinitas offers repair services by certified, trained mechanics with years of experience with Mercedes Benz vehicles. We service all makes and models of European cars including BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar,Mini, and Land Rover. Services offered include:

Complete Car Care of Encinitas offers repair services by certified, trained mechanics with years of experience in Japanese and Korean vehicles. We service all makes and models of Japanese and Korean cars including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Hyundai, and Kia. Services offered include:

We can take a look under the hood

During the Complete Vehicle Inspection we examine your tires, fluid levels, belts, lights, wipers, battery hoses and more. Our goal is to help you keep your car in tip-top shape. When you take care of your vehicle, it runs better and lasts longer Complete Auto Care technicians help you watch out for anything that needs to be fixed. In addition, we also examine your suspension, exhaust systems and brakes to make sure they are in line with manufacturer specifications.

With regular Complete Vehicle Inspections, you get a chance to stop any small problems before they become big problems, saving you time and money in the long run. Do you care about the life and health of your car? Then make an appointment today for a Complete Vehicle Inspection today! You will get a complimentary print out of your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Vehicle inspections from Complete Auto Care keep your car running like it just drove off the lot – long after the new car smell fades. Our expert inspections protect your vehicle investment, and keep it running longer.

Need to have your car’s smog system tested or repaired? Complete Car Care is a STAR certified smog station authorized to perform the smog test and all repairs necessary to meet the standards. STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet the higher performance standards established by BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repairs.)

Be aware that some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. Complete Car Care has the equipment, technicians, and certifications to perform both.

You step on the accelerator pedal and the car takes off – but what happens when you hit the brakes? Do you need more runway than a 747 to stop your car? If you’re not confident in your vehicle’s ability to brake firm and straight, then it’s time for a brake service. With time, all car brakes need attention, and there’s no better place to have an expert’s attention than Complete Car Care of Encinitas. We’ll diagnose your vehicle’s brake problems and offer brake repair solutions that fit your budget. From the brake pedal to hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder to power brake booster, drum brakes to disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors.

Our technicians know every part of your brake system inside and out and can perform necessary brake repairs on any make and model of car. So, what are the brake warning signs? You know you need brake repair when:

Any time you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your brakes checked. At Complete Car Care of Encinitas, if our inspection reveals you do need brake repair service, we will explain exactly what’s required, what’s optional and provide you with a written estimate before any work is done.

Regularly scheduled oil changes are the key ingredient to a healthy engine. With scheduled oil changes, your engine will run newer, stronger and longer. If you don’t change your oil regularly, you could end up needing costly engine repairs or even an engine replacement. Avoid costly oversights – follow your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. It will save you a lot of time and expense in the long run, and in the short run, you’ll even save on gas, as a well-oiled car burns fuel more efficiently.

With regular car oil changes, your vital engine parts stay well-coated and protected against excess heat and friction. When you skip oil changes, the oil begins to thicken, break down, and is consequently less effective, resulting in damage and engine wear. Get your next car oil change service done by the experts at Complete Auto Care of Encinitas. For enhanced protection for your engine we use premium brands that you know and trust while delivering quick and quality service every time.

Get a jump on your car's start.

Very often, electrical problems start and end with the vehicle’s battery. Don’t let a dead car battery strand you on the side of the road. Warning signs that may indicate your battery is dead or about to die:Slow engine crank: When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.Check engine light on: The check engine light sometimes appears when your battery power is weak.

Low battery fluid level: Car batteries typically have a part of the casing that’s translucent so you can always keep an eye on your battery’s fluid level. If the fluid level is below the lead plates inside, it’s time to have the battery and charging system tested.A swelling, bloating battery case: Excessive heat in the engine compartment causes your battery case to swell, decreasing battery life.Battery leak: Leaking also causes corrosion around the connecting posts. The gunk may need to be removed; otherwise, your car may not start.

Old age: Your battery can last well beyond three years but, at the very least, have its current condition inspected on a yearly basis when it reaches the three year mark. If you are experiencing electrical problems or your battery is towards the end of its lifecycle, give us a call or make an appointment.

No matter what you drive, remember that the axle must bear the weight of your vehicle plus any passengers and cargo, along with the normal acceleration and stopping forces. At Complete Car Care of Encinitas we have the experience and the equipment to help you keep your vehicle riding smooth. Your vehicle’s axle connects two wheels together in front and in back. This load-bearing component acts like a central shaft, maintaining the wheel positions relative to each other and to the vehicle body. The axle construction matches vehicle use; trucks and off-road vehicles come with axles that keep the wheel positions steady under heavy stress (ideal for supporting heavy loads), while conventional axles satisfy the average driver needs.

Recognizing potential problems early can help prevent more expensive and expansive repairs on your CV axle. Trouble turning and resistance from tires while maneuvering are signs of CV axle issues. A bad CV axle will emit noise, such as squeaking that increases with speed. Vibrations that increase with speed and vibrating floorboards are also signs that your CV axle should be inspected by our service staff. While an inspection of the CV axle is centered on checking the axle, our technicians may find problems related to CV joints or CV boots. Because the CV axle components combine into one working assembly, reviewing proper working conditions for all components is extremely important for CV axle maintenance. Complete Car Care of Encinitas’ CV axle inspection can help keep major repairs or replacements at bay.

When it comes to axle inspection, we are your source for professional, knowledgeable service. Bring your car to us and rest assured that the equipment that carries you and your family is safe, secure, and trouble-free.

Did you known that over 11 million transmissions fail each year due to lack of maintenance alone? Let Complete Car Care replace your present filter and fluid now. Clean fluid and a new filter can help extend the life of your car’s transmission. How often should you service the transmission? Most manufacturers recommend a 12 month or 12,000 mile service to help you avoid costly future repairs. And when your car’s transmission gives you problems, there’s no better place to take it than Complete Car Care. What are the symptoms of transmission trouble?

Your vehicle will not move.

Your vehicle experiences problems shifting gears.

The transmission seems to be slipping.

The transmission is making unusual noises.

Transmission fluid is leaking.

Your manual transmission grinds while shifting.

The clutch is slipping.

The check engine light comes on.

Your car or truck makes a jerking movement, or the engine seems to be surging.

The last transmission fluid change for your car or truck was more than a year ago. The best way to get your transmission fixed right starts with the right diagnostic. We know that the first step towards fixing your transmission is determining what the problem is

Our technicians are skilled specialists who use their expertise and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot, saving you time and money. Our certified technicians have dedicated years to repairing all of your vehicle’s major systems and give you the same peace of mind servicing and repairing the most complicated system in your car: the transmission. Complete Car Care of Encinitas gives you expert service at prices much lower than what dealers charge.

With average car purchase/transaction prices now above $20,000 for the typical midsize family sedan, keeping an older car running for as long as possible becomes more and more attractive. It’s even more true today, since the cars of the recent past are so well built. It’s not uncommon to get 150,000 miles out of a car and the body will last almost forever, thanks to the superb corrosion protection methods adopted by most automakers. During the life of the vehicle, sometimes the engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt. At Complete Car Care of Encinitas, we can handle both of these services.

The best way to find out which option is better suited for your particular situation is to ask our service advisors. This way you get very specific and custom answers for you. These are some things to keep in mind: Rebuilt engines are not all alike. The issue with a rebuilt engine is that experience, quality parts, and expert installation are essential to give you an engine you can depend on for many, many years. We can help you with a quality rebuilt engine that will provide you with a longer warranty, better quality, and more peace of mind.

New or used replacement engines are also an alternative that you may explore too. The new engine option is often more expensive than a rebuilt one, but it is the genuine engine replacement from the manufacturer. We can price this out for you and give you many options to make sure you make the best decision for your particular situation. Wether your choice is rebuilt or factory new, rest assured that you will get the best service from our technicians, and the best attention from our front desk.

When temperatures rise, there’s nothing more refreshing than riding in a cool, air-conditioned car. As time goes on and the mileage accumulates, however, A/C fittings become loose, O-rings, hoses and seals wear out – and your refreshingly icy blast … stops. You loose the cool comfort of your car, and the car suffers too! When auto air conditioning systems break down, refrigerant leaks. Not only is refrigerant harmful to the environment, it’s also harmful to the vehicle. Leaking refrigerant can damage your vehicle’s evaporator and compressor.

Getting a car air conditioner service at the first sign of trouble will save you both money and time. Come to Complete Auto Care of Encinitas for an AC service repair before any damage spreads. Our expert auto technicians offer the best car AC service and AC repair at the best prices. Servicing your AC system usually includes the following:

Visual inspection of the air conditioning compressor drive belt for cracks or damage

Visual inspection of accessible components for leaks or damage

Checking the operation of the air conditioning compressor and other air conditioning components

Evacuating refrigerant from the system

Vacuum testing the system

Recharging the air conditioning system using the appropriate refrigerant to the system capacity according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications

If your AC or heating system is not performing the way it used to, bring your car for an inspection. Call or use our handy forms.

Complete Car Care of Encinitas Air Conditioning & Heating services include: Heater Service Heater Core Replacement Heater Hose Service Thermostat Dash Control Components Automatic Temperature Control Systems A/C Evacuate & Recharge Service Component Replacement or Repair We use the proper refrigerants that are designed for the vehicle.

Guaranteed Maintenance Service

Your car is a major investment… trust Complete Car Care of Encinitas to help you protect it. Factory recommended maintenance schedules can help extend the life of your car, prevent costly auto repairs, and avoid unexpected emergencies.

At Complete Car Care, we understand how important your car is to you and we know just what preventive maintenance your car needs. We can help you determine and follow your car’s maintenance schedule. Talk to our experts about the factory maintenance recommended for your vehicle.

Your car’s electrical system is important. Really important. So is staying informed about its ability to perform. Left unchecked, a weak or dead battery can wreak havoc on other electrical system parts, like alternators and starters. If your electrical system is showing signs of acting up, don’t delay. Bring your car to Complete Car Care of Encinitas so we can assess the situation, make sure voltage is correct and prevent further potential damage. You don’t want failure be an option, ever.

There are dozens of electrical components needed to route power in your vehicle’s electrical system and these can vary greatly according to vehicle make, model and age. Your electrical system includes your vehicle’s battery, alternator and starter. Many new vehicles also feature sophisticated computer systems that affect functions like steering, brakes, sensors, and more. All of these electrical components make it difficult to diagnose the cause of vehicle electrical problems. To troubleshoot your vehicle’s electrical system, our experts use specialized diagnostic equipment to access your vehicle’s data and pinpoint the cause of any electrical problems.

Our electrical system service includes:

A thorough visual inspection of battery and case condition

Check to ensure your battery can still deliver adequate power, and replace it if necessary

Electrical cable connections are examined and adjusted, if necessary

Engine diagnostics may be necessary to troubleshoot sophisticated systems or complex electrical problems.

Is there something wrong with the way your vehicle is driving? An engine light doesn’t always mean a huge repair bill. Is your check engine light on? It could be as simple as a loose gas cap, or as complex as a hard to diagnose engine malfunction. Either way, Complete Car Care can help! Today’s vehicles are manufactured with complex inter-related systems. On-board computers continuously monitor and store information concerning the performance of these systems. A warning light comes on because the computer has sensed that a signal from one of the systems or components has gone outside of its normal operating range or stopped working. The computer then sends a signal to turn on the light to let you know something is amiss or plain wrong!

While warning lights can go on and the car still appears to be driving “fine”, ignoring some lights can lead to serious issues, such as engine damage or major component failure. In some instances, this can be a safety hazard. That’s why is better to be safe, give yourself peace of mind, and have your car looked at by a certified professional at Complete Auto Care as soon as possible. We have the technicians, technology, and knowledge to handle diagnostic issues and recommend the appropriate repairs that will keep your vehicle running healthy and safe.

Extend the life of your tires.

The road is rougher on the car than what we think. Between everyday driving, potholes, curbs and your car’s age, the need for a wheel alignment is more common than you think. At the very least, your car should get an alignment check once a year or every 12,000 miles. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, chances are your vehicle is already out of alignment: Car pulls to the right or left Uneven tire wear Steering wheel isn’t centered while driving straight Steering wheel vibration

Fact is, many of our customer vehicles tested at Complete Car Care of Encinitas, are in need of an alignment. There are a number of benefits to getting your vehicle properly aligned: It helps prolong the life of the tires Your vehicle will yield better gas mileage You will get better handling and therefore, a safer ride Whether your vehicle needs a front end two-wheel alignment, a single tire alignment or all four wheels aligned, all of our alignment services include:

Is your car running too hot? Do you find yourself having to add coolant too often? Car overheating can come from a variety of sources. If your engine is running hotter than normal, either soon after starting or during normal operation, or if you find puddles of coolant beneath your car, it’s time to have the cooling system checked. Without a properly functioning cooling system, heat levels produced by your car’s engine are enough to cause damage to the engine itself.

Aluminum heads can warp. Head gaskets can blow. Engines can fail. And those are all big ticket items!At Complete Car Care of Encinitas, we can help keep your car’s cooling system operating safely and efficiently and avoid preventable repair expenses. Our technicians are certified to diagnose and repair many components in your cooling system including the radiator, thermostat, water pump, belts and more! And we offer a comprehensive Cooling System Evaluation that can pinpoint any troubling issues and recommend the appropriate solution.

We recommend having the coolant replaced according to your car’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule. This regular maintenance of your vehicle’s radiator and cooling system can help avoid car overheating and costly repair services. And it’ll help prevent unforeseen emergencies.

Sometimes your car’s engine may need a little bit more than an oil change… That’s ok, because Complete Car Care of Encinitas can do the necessary repairs and save you money with quality, guaranteed service that will keep the car running smooth. After all, the engine is without a doubt the most important part of your vehicle. It acts as a heart for your car, making sure all of the gasoline that is pumping into the tank is turned into mechanical energy. This ensures that your vehicle has the energy necessary to move, and to move well.

From tune-ups to timing belts – if it’s under your hood; our expert technicians will handle it. And if it’s a diesel engine we are experts too. At Complete Car Care of Encinitas, we can correctly diagnose your engine trouble and repair it efficiently and economically! So call today for an appointment or use the appointment form on this website, and start enjoying the peace of mind that comes with putting your car in the hands of qualified and experienced technicians.

The suspension on your car is made up of many components, including a set of springs that absorb bumps and road impact, a set of struts that support your springs, and a set of shocks (short for shock absorbers) that limit the bounce your car experiences by absorbing residual movement in suspension springs. Without properly maintained struts and shocks an unexpected pothole, or even a gravel road, can actually cause the wheels of a vehicle to bounce off of the ground, which can easily lead to loss of control and collision.

Shocks and struts are two components of your suspension system that keep your vehicle balanced and riding smoothly with all four wheels on the road. We recommend regular shock and strut inspections to maintain excellent car handling characteristics. Vehicle manufacturers recommend shocks to be replaced at 70,000 miles. Blown shocks and struts can cause a vehicle to handle unsafely. Let the experts at Complete Car Care of Encinitas do a full inspection of the suspension system of your car. Make the appointment now and keep your driving safe and smooth.